How to Get to Chinatown Chicago by Water Taxi

How to Get to Chinatown Chicago by Water Taxi

Getting to Chinatown by water taxi is refreshingly simple: board a Main Branch boat at the Michigan Avenue dock (400 N Michigan Avenue), ride south along the river, and get off at the Chinatown stop in Ping Tom Memorial Park. The landing is at Ping Tom Park East, 1700 S Wentworth Avenue, marked by the park's pagoda at the river's edge. It's $10 one-way, the full route runs about 25 to 45 minutes end to end, and it turns an ordinary trip across town into part of the day.

The Quick Plan

  1. Get to a Main Branch dock. Michigan Avenue (400 N Michigan Avenue, Riverwalk level near the DuSable Bridge) if you're starting downtown, or Ogilvie/Union in the West Loop if you're coming off Metra or Amtrak.
  2. Make sure it's the Main Branch. That's the route serving Chinatown.
  3. Ride south. No transfer needed from either Michigan Avenue or Ogilvie/Union.
  4. Get off at Ping Tom Park East, 1700 S Wentworth Avenue. Look for the pagoda by the river.
  5. Walk into the neighborhood from the park to wherever you're headed.

Where to Board

The Michigan Avenue dock is the natural choice if you're starting near the Magnificent Mile, the Riverwalk, Millennium Park, or the Art Institute. It sits at Riverwalk level between the Wrigley Building and Trump Tower, at the southern end of the Magnificent Mile.

The Ogilvie/Union dock in the West Loop works if you're arriving by train, it's right by the Madison Street Bridge, a short walk from both Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station. Either dock gets you to Chinatown directly on the Main Branch.

One route note: Chinatown and Michigan Avenue are the two ends of the Main Branch, and all passengers must disembark at the end of the route. The ride doesn't loop back on the same ticket.

Main Branch, Not North Branch

For Chinatown you want the Main Branch, which connects Michigan Avenue, Ogilvie/Union, and Chinatown. The North Branch is a separate route serving the Chicago Avenue dock at 600 W Chicago Avenue, and there's no direct ride from Chicago Avenue to Chinatown. You'd need to transfer at Ogilvie/Union, and North Branch service is extremely limited, so if you're starting at Chicago Avenue, check current availability before counting on it.

The full Main Branch route takes roughly 25 to 45 minutes end to end, with departure times varying by dock. Check the live trip planner the day you travel, since timing can shift.

Fares

The standard one-way adult fare is $10, covering a single trip in one direction between any two docks. If you'll ride often, the 10-Ride Commuter Pass works out to an effective $3 per ride, though it's online-only and requires creating an account first, so set that up before you head to the dock.

A few fare details worth knowing: the service is cashless, so bring a card. Children 3 and under ride free (ages 4 and up need a ticket). Seniors and persons with disabilities get 50% off a one-way ticket, and active-duty military with valid ID ride free, but those discounted fares must be purchased in person, not online.

Arriving at Ping Tom Memorial Park

The Chinatown landing sits inside Ping Tom Memorial Park on the South Branch, at the pagoda by the river's edge. The park itself is a pleasant place to arrive, riverfront green space with pagoda-style architecture and a playground, which makes it an easy landing with kids.

From the park, you walk into the neighborhood. The Chinatown Gate and the Nine-Dragon Wall are within easy reach, along with the dim sum spots, bakeries, and bubble tea shops the neighborhood is known for. The water taxi drops you at the park, not at a specific address, so plan the short walk to wherever you're going.

Getting to or from the dock by other means is straightforward too: the Red Line's Cermak-Chinatown station is a walk away (south on Wentworth, then west on 19th Street to the park), CTA buses on Route 24 stop at Clark & 18th and Route 62 at Archer & Wentworth, and there's a Divvy dock at 19th & Wells by the park entrance.

Before You Board

Service generally runs March through the end of December, starting mid-morning on weekdays and late morning on weekends, then running until mid-evening. It's seasonal, so confirm current times before you plan around it.

On board, all boats have restrooms and three of the four are climate-controlled. Drinks and snacks are sold aboard, and you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks (no outside alcohol). Bikes are welcome between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM. Strollers and luggage are allowed subject to security inspection, and note that at most docks boarding means crossing a plank, so strollers need to be folded and carried across with children taken out first.

If you need a wheelchair-accessible ride, arrange it well ahead: accessible service is weekday-only, subject to availability, and must be reserved at least 5 days in advance by calling (312) 337-1446.

Planning Your Return

Check the return departure from Chinatown before you set out, not after dinner. The Main Branch runs between its listed docks on a seasonal schedule, and if you miss the last departure that fits your evening, you'll need another way back. A one-way ticket covers one direction only, so budget for a second ticket if you're returning by water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which water taxi stop goes to Chinatown?

Chinatown is served by the Main Branch, at Ping Tom Park East, 1700 S Wentworth Avenue. The other Main Branch stops are Michigan Avenue and Ogilvie/Union.

Where do I board for Chinatown?

At the Michigan Avenue dock (400 N Michigan Avenue) or the Ogilvie/Union dock in the West Loop, whichever is closer. Both are Main Branch stops with a direct ride to Chinatown, no transfer.

How much is the water taxi to Chinatown?

The standard one-way adult fare is $10. Kids 3 and under ride free. Seniors, persons with disabilities, and active-duty military have discounted or free fares, purchased in person with valid ID.

How long does the ride take?

The full Main Branch route runs about 25 to 45 minutes end to end, depending on your dock pair. Departure times vary, so check the live trip planner on the day you travel.

Can I go directly from the Chicago Avenue dock to Chinatown?

No. Chicago Avenue (600 W Chicago Avenue) is on the North Branch, not the Main Branch. You'd transfer at Ogilvie/Union, and North Branch service is extremely limited, so confirm availability first.

Can I bring a bike or stroller?

Bikes are welcome between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM. Strollers and luggage are allowed subject to security inspection; strollers must be folded and carried across the boarding plank with children taken out first.

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